ICE San Diego investigation leads to guilty plea in murders of Washington couple, unborn child

SAN DIEGO - A Mexican national pleaded guilty Sept. 22 to murdering a man and his pregnant wife in Washington state during a drug trafficking dispute, following a yearslong investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

Prosecutors said Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta admitted to fatally shooting 44-year-old Cesar Murillo in August 2022, then luring Murillo's wife, 33-year-old Maira Hernandez, to a Yakima ranch where co-conspirators killed her and buried both victims. Hernandez's unborn child also died. The case originated with drug seizures at San Diego border crossings in 2021, ultimately linking Madrigal-Birrueta's drug ring to Yakima. After extensive searches using radar, cadaver dogs and forensic testing, HSI agents recovered the victims' remains in September 2023 and seized narcotics, firearms, and body armor. Madrigal-Birrueta is set to be sentenced March 27, 2026, while co-defendant Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas goes to trial in October.

"This case underscores the commitment of HSI to pursue violent criminals who threaten our communities across state lines," said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. "Through the relentless work of our agents and the critical support of HSI Seattle, HSI Fresno, and our federal and local law enforcement partners, we were able to bring closure to a brutal crime and hold those responsible accountable."

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